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Mikel Arteta: Critics are right about Arsenal’s deficiencies this season

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has admitted that critics have been right about their poor performances this season, but thinks they've begun putting things right.

The Spaniard skippered the Gunners to a 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich as they gallantly exited the Champions League on away goals following a 3-3 draw with the Germans on aggregate.

The performance from Arsene Wenger’s men showed glimpses of grit and determination which has been lacking in recent months.

And asked if he felt Arsenal had answered some of their detractors with their win on the night in Bavaria, Arteta replied: “Some of the critics are right, you know.

“When you concede three goals at home [against Bayern Munich] you can’t expect anything different. The way we conceded the goals against Spurs, when we were dominating the game, and you end up losing the game. It’s frustrating.

“We put some things right tonight. To get a clean sheet here is very, very difficult. You look at the stars they’ve got here. They’re probably the best team in Europe.

“To come over here and get the result we did tonight, it’s terrific. We showed that it really matters for us and we showed great spirit.”

And Arteta reckons that beating Bayern Munich may have scared Tottenham and Chelsea as the Gunners attempt to use the result as a catalyst to make it into the Premier League’s top four.

The Spaniard added: “We may have put them on their toes. You never know in football. We have to focus on us. The only thing we can do is win every game.

“[The result] gives us confidence but we need to keep our feet on the earth because we haven’t had the consistency that is required by this football club.

"On Saturday if we’re not at it we’re going to face a really difficult team which is Swansea City away from home. It’s a massive game coming up.”